The used SUV market has been growing at a steady rate in recent years. This is a direct response to the exponentially increasing prices of new vehicles being caused by increasing production and distribution costs and supply chain constrictions.
Shopping in the used market has financial benefits, but that’s only if you opt for a model that has a strong reliability reputation. They also have to benefit from drivetrain configurations that are typically simple and cost-effective to maintain.
The 2021 Honda CR-V features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It receives a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 79/100. Data from iSeeCars rates the model’s reliability at 8.0/10, indicating an average lifespan of 185,137 miles or 16 years, with a 40.3 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
Honda constructs its Earth Dreams turbocharged four-cylinder engine around a die-cast aluminum cylinder block with cast-iron liners and an open-deck layout. The valvetrain features dual overhead camshafts, controlled via dual variable timing control on both camshafts alongside an integrated e xhaust-side VTEC variable valve lift mechanism.
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid engine shotHonda
Fuel delivery relies on high-pressure direct injection targeting cavity-shaped piston crowns. A single-scroll low-inertia turbocharger with an electric wastegate mounts directly to the cylinder head, housing a fully integrated exhaust manifold. This design accelerates turbo response, lowers overall engine assembly weight, and reduces cold-start emissions.
Common issues reported by owners involve infotainment system glitches, cabin climate control delays, and occasional sensing system calibrations. When new, the original MSRP range spanned $25,350 to $36,350 depending on trim level and drivetrain configuration. Current used market sales prices generally range from $20,000 to $27,000 based on mileage and condition. The Honda CR-V incurs an estimated annual repair cost of $407, resulting in a five-year maintenance projection of $2,035.
Base Trim Engine
1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
190 hp
Base Trim Torque
179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Fuel Economy
28/34 MPG
Make
Honda
Model
CR-V
Segment
Compact SUV
2021 Toyota RAV4
J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100
A gray 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid small hybrid SUV is driving.Toyota
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 houses a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine generating 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. J.D. Power awards the model a quality and reliability score of 81/100. Data from iSeeCars assigns the RAV4 a 7.8/10 reliability score, estimating an average lifespan of 175,778 miles or 15 years and a 33.1 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
The Dynamic Force inline four-cylinder engine is built on an aluminum alloy block and cylinder head with a high 13.0:1 compression ratio. The valvetrain incorporates dual overhead camshafts, managed by dual VVT-i featuring electric motor actuation on the intake camshaft and hydraulic control on the exhaust camshaft. Fuel delivery employs Toyota’s D-4S system, combining high-pressure direct injection with lower-pressure port injection to optimize combustion efficiency across all engine load conditions.
2021 Toyota RAV4 engineToyota
Straight intake ports, laser-clad valve seats, and a long-stroke cylinder geometry maximize tumble flow inside the combustion chamber, achieving up to 40 percent thermal efficiency. Power transfers through a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission with a mechanical torque converter lockup mechanism designed to reduce power loss and deliver direct gear engagement.
Common owner complaints focus on harsh or hesitant downshifts from the eight-speed transmission at low speeds, roof rail leak issues, and occasional infotainment software glitches. When new, the original MSRP range spanned $26,250 to $37,330 depending on trim level and drivetrain configuration. Current used market sales prices generally span from $22,000 to $28,000 based on vehicle condition, mileage, and trim tier. The Toyota RAV4 requires an average annual upkeep expense of $429, yielding a five-year repair total of $2,145.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
203 hp
Base Trim Torque
184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Economy
27/35 MPG
Make
Toyota
Model
RAV4
Segment
Compact SUV
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
2021 Mazda CX-5
J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100
Front 3/4 view of a 2021 Mazda CX-5Mazda
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 standard powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher trim levels feature a 250-hp turbocharged variant. J.D. Power awards the model a quality and reliability rating of 81/100. Data from iSeeCars assigns the CX-5 an overall reliability score of 8.0/10. The platform shows an average lifespan of 177,965 miles or 16.4 years of driving, alongside a 33.9 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
The Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engines are built around die-cast aluminum cylinder blocks and heads with chain-driven dual overhead camshafts. The baseline naturally aspirated PY-VPS engine architecture utilizes a long-stroke configuration and an unusually high 13.0:1 static compression ratio. Direct high-pressure fuel injection squirts fuel straight into specialized cavity-piston crowns to suppress engine knock, while a tuned 4-2-1 long-runner exhaust manifold evacuates residual hot exhaust gas.
The engine bay showcasing the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G Turbo engine of the CX-50 Meridian Edition.Drive Time Productions LLC | TopSpeed
Standard cylinder deactivation uses collapsible hydraulic valve lifters on the outer cylinders to turn off two cylinders during light highway cruising. Higher trims feature the turbocharged variant, which lowers static compression to 10.5:1 and incorporates a dynamic pressure turbocharger alongside a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. The system regulates exhaust flow using narrow ports at low engine speeds to spool the turbine quickly, opening larger flow paths as engine speeds rise to maximize airflow. Both engine configurations route output through a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a multi-plate torque-converter lockup clutch that remains engaged across most speed ranges to minimize slippage.
Common issues cited by owners include fragile windshield glass prone to cracking, battery drain problems related to power tailgates, daytime running light failures, and occasional infotainment system reboots. When new, the original MSRP range spanned $25,370 to $37,505 depending on trim level and engine choice. Current used market sales prices generally span from $19,000 to $26,000 based on mileage, trim tier, and overall condition. The Mazda CX-5 demands $447 annually for maintenance, which accumulates to $2,235 over five years.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
187 hp
Base Trim Torque
186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Economy
25/31 MPG
Make
Mazda
Model
CX-5
Segment
Compact SUV
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 82/100
Mitsubishi
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander utilizes a 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine producing 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. J.D. Power assigns this model a quality and reliability score of 82/100. According to data from iSeeCars, the Outlander receives a 7.1/10 reliability rating, with an average lifespan of 147,617 miles or 10.3 years, and a 14.2 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
The 4B12 engine features an aluminum cylinder block and head with a long-stroke geometry and a 10.5:1 static compression ratio. The valvetrain incorporates dual overhead camshafts, managed by Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control technology, commonly referred to as MIVEC, that continuously adjusts timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Multipoint port fuel injection delivers fuel into an integrated manifold chamber to promote stable air-fuel mixing without the carbon buildup risks associated with direct injection.
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV EngineMitsubishi
Engine power routes through an INVECS-III CVT operating via a steel belt and pulley assembly. The transmission control unit continuously modulates pulley ratios based on throttle position to balance low-RPM highway cruising with immediate torque delivery under high acceleration loads.
Common owner complaints focus on CVT shuddering or hesitation, suspension component wear, climate control system malfunctions, and minor electrical interface glitches. When new, the original MSRP range spanned $24,895 to $33,745 depending on the trim level and drivetrain options. Current used market sales prices generally span from $15,500 to $22,000 based on vehicle mileage, trim level, and overall condition. The Mitsubishi Outlander registers the highest expense with an average annual cost of $519, totaling $2,595 over five years.
Base Trim Engine
2.4L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
Single Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
126 hp
Base Trim Torque
148 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Outlander Plug-In Hybrid
Segment
Compact SUV
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
2021 Nissan Murano
J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 89/100
3/4 front view of 2021 Nissan MuranoNissan
The 2021 Nissan Murano relies on a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine producing 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Xtronic CVT. J.D. Power awards the model a quality and reliability rating of 89/100. Data from iSeeCars assigns the Murano a 7.4/10 reliability score, estimating an average lifespan of 152,934 miles or 12.5 years, with a 16.9 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
The VQ35DE engine architecture is built on a die-cast aluminum cylinder block with microfinished crankshaft journals and aluminum cylinder heads. The valvetrain incorporates dual overhead camshafts, regulated by a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System on the intake valves alongside the Nissan Induction Control System variable intake manifold to adjust air path length based on engine load.
3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Nissan MuranoNissan
Fuel delivery uses sequential multipoint port injection targeting a 10.3:1 static compression ratio, which lowers internal heat stress and circumvents intake valve carbon buildup. Engine power routes through the Xtronic CVT, operating via a high-strength steel belt and pulley mechanism. The transmission control unit incorporates D-Step Logic Control software, which simulates discrete step-shifts during hard acceleration to maintain engine speed in its optimal torque band while eliminating the continuous high-RPM drone common in traditional CVTs.
Common issues reported by owners include CVT fluid degradation or shuddering, power seat motor failures, infotainment system freeze-ups, and premature front suspension bushing wear. When new, the original MSRP range spanned $32,510 to $45,610 depending on the trim level and drivetrain option. Current used market sales prices generally span from $17,000 to $25,000 based on vehicle mileage, trim grade, and overall condition. The Nissan Murano incurs an annual repair expense of $507, creating a five-year projection of $2,535.
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